DORCHESTER first team coach Jason Brookes praised his side’s second-half response after they came from behind to beat Willand Rovers 3-2 away from home.
Brookes said the result was especially valuable following Tuesday’s victory over Paulton Rovers, with the team now recording back-to-back league wins after an opening-day setback against Weymouth.
The Magpies had fallen behind when Zac Williams scored before the break but fought back with goals from Matt Buse, Matty Burrows and Kyran Samadi.
Josh Ford added a second for Willand in added time but it was too late for the hosts as Dorchester took all three points.
"Obviously, absolutely delighted with that today," said Brookes in his post match interview with the Magpies' media team.
"Any time you pick up three points away from home is always really big at this level. Following on from Tuesday's win, and continuing a reaction from the opening day really, is excellent."
The visitors went into the break 1-0 behind after Zac Williams netted for Willand despite Brookes feeling his side had controlled much of the first half and created the better opportunities.
"To go 1-0 down and to go in at half-time 1-0 down, pretty much against a run of play, where we felt we were in control of the game, creating the better openings, was frustrating.
"There was a bit of a misorganisation at the back post maybe on our part.
"One player has played offside and the other is not quite in line, and they get a bit of a free header."
However, his side levelled within seven minutes of the restart before taking the lead shortly afterwards, with Brookes describing the response as a key sign of the squad’s character.
"We were back level after a brilliant reaction coming out at half time, and 10 minutes gone, we were 2-1 up, so it was superb from the boys.
"That’s what we’re going to need to be able to do at times - keep calm, show a good reaction - and it’s a mark of a really good team."
Matt Buse, Matty Burrows and Kyran Samadi were all on target, with Samadi’s late strike ultimately proving decisive after Willand pulled one back in added time through Josh Ford.
Brookes was pleased to see goals shared around the side and singled out the substitutes for their contribution, particularly Samadi.
"All three goals were taken really well - some good finishes - and it just shows that we’ve got good firepower across the squad.
"Busey’s strike was excellent from the edge of the box, [while] Matty Burrows was an absolute threat all game, as he has been since the start of the season really."
On Samadi scoring off the bench, he added: "It’s really pleasing for people like Kyran, because we need the whole squad this year and we have got good strength in depth.
"We’ve got good players that, at this present moment, maybe they have to be a bit more patient than others, but showing that they’re ready, sharp and can come on and have an impact like that is massive."
Brookes also praised the team’s defensive work in the closing stages and highlighted Will Spetch’s performance at the heart of defence.
He added: "I have to say, Will Spetch was outstanding today, marshalling that back line as well."
Brookes said the response since the opening-day defeat had been “vitally important”, with the squad now looking to carry its momentum into next weekend’s FA Cup tie against Winchester.
"The reaction, and the work that everyone’s put in after a disappointing opening day, has been really good and it’s a credit to everyone," he said.
"The only thing you can do in football sometimes when you lose is react, go to the next one and work as hard as you can.
"When you get your rewards, like we have now with these back-to-back league wins, it does build momentum and hopefully starts creating a bit of a habit.
"We’re improving all the time.
"Now we’ll be back in next week, working hard, looking towards the FA Cup game, and we’ll be ready to go when the Winchester game comes on Saturday."
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